Director Srinidhi Bengaluru and actor-producer Dheekshith Shetty are attempting to revive the found-footage horror genre in Kannada cinema with their latest film, 'Video'.

  • 'Video' is a found-footage horror thriller designed for a modern, tech-savvy audience.
  • The film aims to revive the genre popularized in Kannada cinema by the 2013 hit '6-5=2'.
  • Filming involved multiple camera types, including GoPros, to maintain a realistic aesthetic.

In an era where the Kannada film industry is navigating a period of experimentation, filmmaker Srinidhi Bengaluru and actor-producer Dheekshith Shetty are taking a significant risk. Their new film, 'Video', released on September 11, 2026, ventures into the unconventional territory of found-footage horror, aiming to capture the imagination of a new generation of viewers.

The found-footage genre, while globally successful with films like 'The Blair Witch Project', has remained a risky proposition in India. However, the memory of the 2013 Kannada hit '6-5=2' serves as both a benchmark and an inspiration for the team. Dheekshith Shetty notes that the previous success of such films has already prepared the audience for this unique style of filmmaking.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the shift toward niche, genre-specific content in regional cinema is a response to the globalized tastes of younger audiences. By embracing the found-footage style, Kannada filmmakers are moving away from traditional narrative structures to offer immersive, high-stakes experiences that resonate with the YouTube and social media generation.

The challenge isn't just filming horror; it's making the camera feel like an unwitting witness to terror.

The plot follows a group of young content creators who travel to a haunted school in rural Odisha to boost their YouTube channel's visibility. To achieve authenticity, Srinidhi Bengaluru bypassed traditional studio lighting, instead utilizing flashlights and natural elements like dust particles in light rays to create a sense of dread. This meticulous attention to detail was crucial in establishing the film's atmospheric tension.

Technical complexities were at the forefront of production. Editor Sanjeev Jagirdar had the monumental task of stitching together footage from 12 different camera sources to create a seamless, yet chaotic, viewing experience. Furthermore, working with rookie actors presented unique hurdles, as they had to navigate multiple camera angles without knowing exactly where the 'focus' lay, inadvertently adding to the film's raw, unpolished feel.

Unlike many big-budget productions, 'Video' was crafted with a budget tailored specifically to its needs. Dheekshith Shetty emphasized that the project benefited from a production philosophy where the script dictates the budget, rather than the stars, ensuring that the creative vision remains uncompromised.

Did You Know?: Found-footage films often use 'shaky cam' and amateurish lighting to trick the brain into believing the events are real.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 'found-footage' style used in 'Video'?
It is a filmmaking technique where the movie is presented as if it were discovered recordings from a camera.

2. Where is the film set?
The story is set in a haunted school located in the interiors of Odisha.